NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Rising Teams That Will Emerge Victorious

Week 2 of the 2012-2013 NFL season saw several teams show signs of coming around, whether it be a former bottom-feeder or a former contender that got off on the wrong foot in Week 1.

As we head into Week 3, some of these teams are positioned to continue their rise this season. As the saying goes, "It's not how you start, but how you progress during the NFL season."

Or something like that.

Here's a look at rising teams that will emerge victorious in Week 3, complete with my power rankings below.

Note: Here's a look at my Week 2 power rankings if you want to compare.

Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

Andrew Luck got a lesson against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, but he bounced back against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, leading the Colts to a 23-20 victory.

Luck went 20-of-31 for 224 yards and two touchdowns in the win. More importantly, he didn't throw a single interception.

As Luck continues to build a rapport with his receivers, the Colts will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, an 0-2 team that lost to the Vikings and got blown out by the Houston Texans.

The Colts held Adrian Peterson in check last week, which gives them hope against Maurice Jones-Drew and Co. in Week 3.

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

The Eagles have committed nine turnovers in two games, yet they are still 2-0.

That includes a 24-23 come-from-behind victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2, where they racked up four turnovers.

If the Eagles are still successful with this many turnovers, just imagine what they can do if they begin limiting them.

The defense has been very good so far and Michael Vick is so explosive that it seems he's one of the few quarterbacks in the league who can make up for a couple interceptions (or four).

The Eagles do face the determined Arizona Cardinals in Week 3, but I think the pass rush will make life miserable for Kevin Kolb, who didn't have to deal with much pressure from the New England Patriots last week.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

If the Washington Redskins weren't dealing with a plethora of injuries, I might give this game to them.

However, they will be without All-Pro linebacker Brian Orakpo for the rest of the season, as well as defensive end Adam Carriker, after both sustained serious injuries in Week 2.

Also, No. 2 cornerback Josh Wilson and tight end Fred Davis are doubtful for Sunday's game because of concussions, and receiver Pierre Garcon is questionable after suffering a foot injury, per USA Today.

That's what you call being decimated by injuries.

The Bengals will likely give up points against Robert Griffin III and Co. on Sunday (if the first two weeks are any indication), but it probably won't matter because they should score a fair amount themselves.

NFL Power Rankings

Team	Record
1. San Francisco 49ers	2-0
2. Houston Texans	2-0
3. Atlanta Falcons	2-0
4. Green Bay Packers	1-1
5. Baltimore Ravens	1-1
6. New England Patriots	1-1
7. Philadelphia Eagles	2-0
8. New York Giants	1-1
9. Denver Broncos	1-1
10. Pittsburgh Steelers	1-1
11. Detroit Lions	1-1
12. Chicago Bears	1-1
13. San Diego Chargers	2-0
14. Arizona Cardinals	2-0
15. Seattle Seahawks	1-1
16. Dallas Cowboys	1-1
17. Cincinnati Bengals	1-1
18. New York Jets	1-1
19. St. Louis Rams	1-1
20. Carolina Panthers	1-1
21. Washington Redskins	1-1
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	1-1
23. New Orleans Saints	0-2
24. Buffalo Bills	1-1
25. Miami Dolphins	1-1
26. Indianapolis Colts	1-1
27. Kansas City Chiefs	0-2
28. Minnesota Vikings	1-1
29. Cleveland Browns	0-2
30. Tennessee Titans	0-2
31. Jacksonville Jaguars	0-2
32. Oakland Raiders	0-2